For me, eating is not quite the same as dining. There are loads of places to eat, ranging from franchise burger joints to cutting-edge gourmet palaces. When I dine, however, I look for the convergence of three essential factors: cuisine, service and ambiance. Like a tripod or a three-legged stool, the restaurant experience topples without great food, professional service and appealing ambiance, all working in tandem. The three, together, create culinary synergy that is bigger than the sum of its parts. These 25 one-off restaurants are all can't-miss destinations for dependable dining.
| comfort foods >> |
Bambara
At Bambara, in the Hotel Monaco, chef Nathan Powers combines classics like his superb steak frites with unique dishes such as Maple Leaf Farms Duck grilled breast and leg confit with liver butter, watercress, sweet-potato oven wedges and pomegranate syrup. Top-notch service rounds out the dining experience.
202 S. Main, Salt Lake City, 801-363-5454, Bambara-SLC.com
Café Madrid
A recent relocation has breathed new life into this friendly, intimate dining spot. Go big with seafood paella or small with an assortment of hot and cold tapas. You might not be in Spain, but it sure feels like it.
5244 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-273-0837, CafeMadrid.net
Caffe Molise
The Italy-inspired Sunday brunch here is terrific, but you can enjoy the flavors of Italy at Caffé Molise any time. Pastas like orecchiette al salsiccia compete with entrees such as involtini di pollo as crowd favorites. Grab a seat in the courtyard in warm weather for al fresco dining.
55 W. 100 South, Salt Lake City, 801-364-8833, CaffeMolise.com
Communal
True to its name, the centerpiece of this very appealing restaurant is a long communal table, where you might find yourself supping next to total strangers. Perfectly cooked pan-roasted salmon is fantastic—almost ethereal—and nearly every dish incorporates locally produced, artisan food products.
102 N. University Ave., Provo, 801-373-8000, CommunalRestaurant.com
The Copper Onion
This is one of the city's most popular spots for a quick nosh at the counter overlooking the kitchen or at a table in the dining room with a multicourse meal. Chef/owner Ryan Lowder's cooking is always spot-on. This is my favorite SLC restaurant, in fact.
111 E. Broadway, Salt Lake City, 801-355-3282, TheCopperOnion.com
Cucina Toscana
A must-have at this Italian gem is the pollo della casa—a souped-up version of classic chicken piccata; oh, and the airy pillows of fresh-made gnocchi, too. But the main attraction is owner/bon vivant Valter Nassi, the warmest and most welcoming restaurateur in town.
307 W. Pierpont Ave. (250 South), Salt Lake City, 801-328-3463, Cucina-Toscana.com
Forage
Included in Food & Wine magazine's Best Chefs of 2011 issue, owners/chefs Viet Pham and Bowman Brown dish up cutting-edge fare that is consistently innovative, thrilling, artful and delicious. Sous vide cooking is frequently employed, and offerings such as wild-ono confit and anise-scented elk tenderloin excite even the most hardened foodies.
370 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City, 801-708-7834, ForageRestaurant.com
Franck's
Tucked away in a small house, this is a hidden Holladay gem. French-born chef Franck Peissel may have a classic culinary background, but he's warmed quickly to contemporary American flavors. To wit: his slow-braised pulled pork, veal and chicken meatloaf with lingonberry sauce is a must-have.
6263 S. Holladay Blvd., Salt Lake City, 801-274-6264, FrancksFood.com
Fresco Italian Café
If there is a more inviting, cozy spot to dine in town than Fresco, I haven't found it. Fresco is the perfect spot for a romantic interlude or just a friendly meal with friends, especially in the courtyard during warm weather. The nightly risotto is irresistible, and you'll also love hearty pasta preparations of carbonara, Bolognese or the lighter Dungeness-crab gnocchi.
1513 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City, 801-486-1300, FrescoItalianCafe.com
Garden Café
Grand America Hotel ambassador Ali Raafati, Garden Café executive chef Phillip Yates and chef de cuisine Phelix Gardner team up to create a combination of cuisine and service that is impeccable. Add to that the Grand America's eye-popping décor, and you've got a perfect recipe for fine dining.
555 S. Main, Salt Lake City, 801-258-6708, GrandAmerica.com
J. Wong's Asian Bistro
This inviting, family-owned restaurant is a bright, shining light in downtown Salt Lake City, serving up a delicious array of flawless Chinese and Thai cuisine, all in a beautifully conceived setting. It's one of the most visually appealing restaurants in the city. Honey-glazed walnut shrimp is a must.
163 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City, 801-350-0888, JWongUtah.com
Log Haven
This is a local treasure: a rustic log mansion situated in a national forest just four miles from SLC—a lovely place to enjoy chef Dave Jones' culinary creations. Alpine nachos are a crowd-pleaser, and folks watching their diet enjoy the nightly "low-cal/high-impact" special. Plus, there's live piano music nightly.
6451 E. Millcreek Canyon Road, Salt Lake City, 801-272-8255, Log-Haven.com
Lugano
There are those who consider owner Greg Neville to be on a short list of Utah's best chefs, and his bustling east-side eatery combines friendly bistro/trattoria-style ambiance with the rich flavors and scents of Italy. Be sure to pick Neville's brain about Italian wines; he's an expert.
3364 S. 2300 East, Salt Lake City, 801-412-9994, LuganoRestaurant.com
Mandarin
The gorgeous décor and design of Mandarin would set it apart anywhere, but especially in Bountiful. Start with char shu, pot stickers and Singapore noodles before jumping into more exotic eats like Nanking chicken, lychee scallops, Szechwan catfish and eggplant with garlic sauce.
348 E. 900 North, Bountiful, 801-298-2406, MandarinUtah.com
Martine
Situated in a cozy brownstone, Martine has long been a go-to destination on the downtown dining scene. This charming, independent restaurant quietly continues to entice customers old and new with its lovely ambiance, friendly and professional service and the outstanding cuisine of longtime chef Tom Grant.
22 E. 100 South, Salt Lake City, 801-363-9328, MartineCafe.com
Naked Fish Bistro
At Naked Fish, longtime chef Toshio Sekikawa teams up with younger sushi chefs to create vibrant dishes such as robotayaki lamb chops, octopus carpaccio drizzled with ponzu, Miyazaki Wagyu and much more, all in a vibrant, modern setting. Give yourself over to the talented sushi chefs and dine omakase style.
67 W. 100 South, Salt Lake City, 801-595-8888, NakedFishBistro.com
New Yorker
The New Yorker has been one of Salt Lake City's most enduring fine-dining destinations since 1978. Chef Will Pliler has run the kitchen for much of that time, and his cuisine seems to continually improve. Dinner here is a no-brainer, but don't overlook the inexpensive lunch options, too.
60 W. Market St. (340 South), Salt Lake City, 801-363-0166, NewYorkerSLC.com
Pago
Owner/chef Scott Evans and his team are committed to incorporating sustainable, quality products from local farms and food artisans into every delicious dish. Be sure to phone ahead for reservations, as this cozy eatery is typically brimming with happy customers.
878 S. 900 East, Salt Lake City, 801-532-0777, PagoSLC.com
Paris Bistro & Zinc Bar
At Eric DeBonis' Paris Bistro, New American cooking is inspired by French, Italian and Mediterranean cuisines. So the Caprese salad butts up against salad Lyonnaise, and duck confit rests comfortably on the menu next to Margherita pizza, escargot and spaghetti carbonara.
1500 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City, 801-486-5585, TheParis.net
Spencer's for Steaks & Chops
Spencer's serves only hand-cut, 21-day-aged USDA Prime grade steaks from Stockyards Beef in Chicago, all cooked to perfection. Excellent service, a top-notch wine list and classic steakhouse ambiance add up to delicious dining.
255 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City, 801-238-4748, SpencersForSteaksAndChops.com/SaltLakeCity
Takashi
Best restaurant in Salt Lake City? A lot of people think so. Takashi Gibo is a world-class chef who not only stuns customers with sensational sushi and cooked dishes, but also manages to be one of the kindest people you will ever encounter.
18 W. Market St. (340 South), Salt Lake City, 801-519-9595
Tiburon
For more years than I care to remember, Tiburon restaurant has been the go-to eatery for fine dining in the south end of the Salt Lake Valley. The char-grilled elk tenderloin with duxelle and green peppercorn demi-glace has been a crowd-pleaser pretty much since day one. And, the seared ahi tuna dusted with seven Asian spices and black sesame seeds is another can't-miss dish. Excellent service rounds out the exquisite Tiburon experience.
8256 S. 700 East, Sandy, 801-255-1200, TiburonFineDining.com
Vuz
The hottest spot in the South Valley, Vuz is an eye-popping restaurant that would seem to be more at home in Vegas than Draper. Belly up to the Vuda Bar before tucking into dinner in one of Vuz's stunning, sprawling dining areas. Chef Kaharim Becerra's cooking is strong enough to match the stunning ambiance.
12234 S. Draper Gate Drive, Draper, 801-617-8600, VuzBar.com
Wild Grape New West Bistro
Whether you choose to linger at the bar with a custom cocktail or enjoy a delicious meal at a table, Wild Grape delivers excellent food, service and ambiance, not to mention a terrific wine list at prices that won't blow the budget.
481 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, 801-746-5565, WildGrapeBistro.com
Zucca Trattoria
Tucked away in South Ogden, Zucca chef/owner Elio Scanu's culinary repertoire ranges from magnificent Margherita pizza to roasted organic chicken with foie gras emulsion. Don't let it out, but he's one of Utah's most gifted chefs, and Zucca is one of our most appealing eateries.
1479 E. 5600 South, South Ogden, 801-475-7077, MyZucca.com
Under the Radar Eats
25 spots for Mom & Pop hospitality and soulful food.
By Ted Scheffler As a restaurant critic, I'm afforded the opportunity to eat in a lot of fancy places. But, truth be told, my favorite eateries tend to be funky, friendly, mom & pop joints that might not be on many folks' radar screens. Here are some of my most beloved Wasatch Front spots for soulful, no-nonsense meals.
comments@cityweekly.net
| Locavore love >> |
destinations |
9th South Delicatessen
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better pastrami sandwich in Utah than 9th South Delicatessen’s. The Reuben, too, is otherworldly: deliciously juicy corned beef prepared in-house, on house-baked rye bread, with high-quality sauerkraut, Emmentaler cheese and Russian dressing.
931 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City, 801-517-3663, 9thSouthDeli.com
Adobos Caribbean Grill
The warmth you experience walking into the restaurant—festooned with palm fronds and vibrant island colors—is the same warmth you'll experience from the staff. While enjoying mofongos, tostones, arroz con pollo and such, you'll feel like you're on a Caribbean vacation.
9460 S. Union Square Plaza (650 East), Sandy, 801-523-3672, AdobosGrill.com
African Restaurant & Mini Mart
The folks at this interesting eatery couldn't be friendlier or more helpful to customers needing explanations of exotic dishes like ashaakiltii, misira, shiro, handaanqoo, waaddii and raafuu. After dinner, shop for imported African products in the market.
1878 S. Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, 801-978-9673
Bayleaf Bar & Grub
Alabama meets Asia at downtown's funky Bayleaf Bar & Grub, where you can enjoy hoppin' John and barbecued shrimp with grits next to dishes like Filipino chicken adobo or Korean bulgogi. Somehow, the eclectic menu just works.
159 S. Main, Salt Lake City, 801-359-8490, BayleafBarAndGrub.com
Bocata
Located in the City Center food court, Bocata serves excellent, unique sandwiches, with wood-fired oven breads and fillings made from scratch, like the delicious fennel-rubbed, slow-roasted Italian pork sammie.
28 S. State, Salt Lake City, 801-355-3538, BocataSandwich.com
Bucket O' Crawfish
The funky ambiance here (you can write on the walls) makes dinner fun; the freshly boiled crawfish, shrimp and crab dumped right onto your table with a choice of sauces makes Bucket O' Crawfish delicious.
1980 W. 3500 South, West Valley City, 801-419-0900, BucketOCrawfish.com
Café Limon
Grand prize winner of the Food Network's Ultimate Recipe Showdown, owner Amparo Alam cooks up her winning Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken with fried yucca root at Café Limon, along with exotic dishes like lomo saltado.
973 W. 1700 South, Syracuse, 801-825-0219, CafeLimonRestaurant.com
Café Old Bridge
A mom & pop operation, this friendly eatery specializes in Bosnian fare, including zeljanica, goulash, homemade pita, and irresistible cevapi made from scratch, all at very affordable prices.
249 E. 3300 South, Salt Lake City, 801-466-4330, OldBridgeCafe.com
Cucina Vanina
Named for chef/owner Vanina Pirollo, this inviting Italian bistro is a good choice for homemade gnocchi, spaghetti alla carbonara, gamberetti al limone, involtini di carne and the like. Try one of the interesting Sicilian wines alongside.
1844 E. Fort Union Blvd., Cottonwood Heights, 801-938-9706, CucinaVanina.com
Ganesh
In a town with no shortage of Indian eateries, this is one of the best, offering both Northern and Southern Indian fare. For a change of pace, give the goat curry, bindi masala, or Hyderabad biryani a try. The lunch buffet is a bodacious bargain.
777 E. Fort Union Blvd., Midvale, 801-569-3800, GaneshIndianCuisine.com
Greek City Grill
Greek City Grill might be small in size, but the flavors here are gigantic. The gyros are my favorite: thick, tender, juicy slices of gyro meat (a lamb and beef combo) from the rotating spit, served on soft pita bread with a choice of red or white sauce.
6165 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-277-2355, GreekCityGrill.com
Guzzi's Vintage Burgers & Fries
Named for the Moto Guzzi paraphernalia that serves as décor at this funky burger stop, Guzzi's fires up traditional-tasting burgers and fries: fries that actually taste like potatoes and burgers that taste like beef. What could be better?
180 E. 800 South, Salt Lake City, 801-364-4541
Julia's
It's worth the trouble to find this hole-in-the-wall, mom & pop Mexican cafe for delectable comida de la casa (home cooking). Excellent choices include the hearty menudo and posole, fiery camarones a la diabla, chicken cocidos, caldo de res and other authentic Mexican fare.
51 S. 1000 West, Salt Lake City, 801-521-4096
Kaiser's BBQ
For authentic, Texas-style barbecue, there is only one place for me: Kaiser's. The brisket and ribs are completely addictive; thankfully, you can purchase them by the pound for your next shindig, or as combo dishes with sides.
962 S. 300 West, Salt Lake City, 801-355-0499, SaltLakeBBQ.com
Himalayan Kitchen
A good way to sink your teeth into the range of Nepali and Indian cuisine featured at Himalayan Kitchen is to drop in for the $9.95 lunch buffet. At dinner, momos are a must, along with prawn saag and aloo tamabodi. And the service couldn't be friendlier.
360 S. State, Salt Lake City, 801-328-2077, HimalayanKitchen.com
Left Fork Grill
Funky diner ambiance, super-friendly service and fantastic food with all the earmarks of home cooking—that's Left Fork Grill. How can you beat the half sandwich and homemade pie combo for lunch, especially if it's the awesome Rueben and Jeff Masten's incredible banana-cream pie? The food isn't fancy—there's nothing fancy about liver & onions or meatloaf—it's just fabulous.
68 W. 3900 South, Salt Lake City, 801-266-4322, LeftForkGrill.ipower.com
Little World
For nearly two decades, Little World has been my go-to spot for a Chinese-food fix, and it certainly ain't for the ambiance. You can overlook the lack of décor and surly service, though, for dishes like clams with black-bean sauce or the crispy Peking duck.
1356 S. State, Salt Lake City, 801-467-5213
Mariscos Ensenada
This is a wonderful family-run restaurant, where most of the patrons are Hispanic and the staff is as friendly and helpful as you'll ever encounter. Seafood, from grilled shellfish kabobs and seafood stews to fish with mojo de ajo, is the main attraction. Delicioso!
4855 S. Redwood Road, Taylorsville, 801-269-4535
Pho Tay Ho
There is plenty of Vietnamese pho in town, but none better than that served up at this cozy, friendly mom & pop place. The delectable broth made with beef bones simmers overnight and comes to the table clear and piping hot, with hints of cinnamon and allspice. Fantastic pho!
1766 S. Main, Salt Lake City, 801-466-3650
Saffron Valley Indian Street Foods
Tantalizing flavors have come to South Jordan with Lavanya Mahate's homage to Indian and Indo-Chinese street foods. The extensive menu includes chaat (puri, samosas, pakoras, dabeli), a variety of ebabs, kati (Indian wraps), dosas (savory crepes), biryanis, flatbreads (parathas), curries and even India-influenced pizzas.
1098 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, 801-438-4823, SaffronValley.com
Sala Thai Kitchen
Unique dishes like khao soi from Northern Thailand pepper the appealing Sala Thai menu, filled with numerous delicious dining options. Service is very friendly, and items like fantastic pad him ma parn are served up in a light, airy atmosphere.
677 S. 200 West, Salt Lake City, 801-328-2499, SalaThaiKitchen.com
Settebello
For the best Margherita pizza in town, head to Settebello, certified by the Vera Pizza Napoletana organization for serving the real thing, using only authentic Napoli-style ingredients and cooking techniques. Finish up with housemade gelato.
260 S. 200 West, Salt Lake City, 801-322-3556, Settebello.net
Szechuan Garden
The winner of numerous awards, chef Meng's Sandy restaurant offers authentic, traditional Szechuan cuisine such as sha cha beef, scallops with black pepper, tea-smoked duck, jellyfish with roasted chili vinaigrette, and pickled chicken feet with red pepper. Yum!
1275 E. 8600 South, Sandy, 801-233-0027, The-Szechuan-Garden.com
Thai Garden
For authentic Thai cuisine and friendly, homestyle service, Vipada Chitratont Barry's Thai Garden is the place. Barry keeps a close eye on the kitchen as she patrols the small dining room while visiting with customers. The gang khua sub pa rod and pad thai are just two of the winning dishes here.
4410 S. 900 East, 801-266-7899; 868 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City, 801-355-8899, ThaiGardenNoodle.qwestoffice.net
Two Bit Street Café
Two Bit Street Café has personality: It's anti-trendy, unorthodox and even a little bit weird, in a good way, with a terrific array of menu items ranging from an excellent Cuban sandwich to steamed Little Neck clams and beef fillet with chimichurri sauce. Eclectic, to say the least.
126 25th St., Ogden, 801-393-1225, TwoBitStreet.com
Locavore Love
If the word "local" makes you loco, here's the best in local fare.
Compiled by Jerre Wroble It started with the word “local.”
City Weekly celebrates the best in local food and drink in its annual Best of Utah editions. But around 1995, a new category emerged: “Best Locally Brewed Beer.” Despite having won more generic categories previously (e.g., Best Cold Beer, Best Beer Selections), Squatters won that category, and continued to win for many years thereafter.
Same with coffee. The Salt Lake Roasting Company had been winning categories such as “Best Coffee” and “Best Aroma” in the early ‘90s. But 1999, it won for “Best Locally Brewed Coffee.” These products were made in Utah, for Utahns, helping launch a love of artisan culinary fare in Utah.
The list below, culled from previous Best of Utah editions, is a beginner’s guide to Utah’s locavore scene. Some early Best of Utah winners continue to garner awards today, proving that a focus on “local” can grow a loyal, even fanatical, following. For a comprehensive guide to Utah products, visit UtahsOwn.Utah.gov.
1995 1999 2000 2001 2004
jerre@cityweekly.net
comfort foods
Best Locally Brewed Beer
Squatters Pubs & Beers
147 W. Broadway, Salt Lake City, 801-363-2739; 1900 Park Ave., Park City, 435-649-9868, Squatters.com
Best Locally Brewed Coffee
Salt Lake Roasting Co.
320 E. 400 South, Salt Lake City, 801-363-7572, Roasting.com
Best Produce
Liberty Heights Fresh
1290 S. 1100 East, Salt Lake City, 801-583-7374, LibertyHeightsFresh.com
Best Cheeses
Tony Caputo's Market & Deli
314 W. Broadway, Salt Lake City, 801-531-8669; 1516 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City, 801-486-6615, CaputosDeli.com
Best Lamb
Morgan Valley Lamb
MorganValleyLamb.com
2005
Best Organic Cowboys
Taylor Made Beef, Emery
435-286-2221, TaylorMadeBeef.com
2007
Best Old-Fashioned Trade
Volker's Bakery, Kamas
435-783-6710
2008
Best Spicy Seeds
Zotes Sunflower Seeds
5255 W. 11000 North, Suite 225, 801-498-4845, Highland, Zotes.com
2009
Best of Both Worlds (Coffee/Cheese)
Beehive Cheese Co.'s Barely Buzzed, Uintah
801-476-0900, BeehiveCheese.com
Best Finish to a Great Meal
Dolcetti Gelato
1751 S. 1100 East, Salt Lake City, 801-485-3254, DolcettiGelato.com
Best Salami
Creminelli Fine Meats
310 Wright Brothers Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-428-1820, Creminelli.com
Best Goat Cheese
Drake Family Farm
1856 W. Drake Lane, West Jordan, 801-255-6455, DrakeFamilyFarms
Best Whiskey
Rendezvous Rye
703 Park Ave., Park City, 801-972-2566, HighWestDistillery.com
Best Chevre
Shepherd's Dairy, Erda
435-882-5000, ShepherdsCheese.com
Best Blackberry Jam
Tagge's Willard Bay, Brigham City
801-755-8031, TaggesFamousFruit.com
2010
Best AC/DC-Inspired Jam
Butcher's Bunches Handcrafted Preserves, Logan
855-252-6646, ButchersBunches.com
Best Old-World Meat Pies
Morrison Meat Pies
3403 S. 1400 West, West Valley City, 801-977-0181, MorrisonMeatPies.com
2011 Best Cold Cases Best Cold Shots
Best Chocolate Splurge
Amano Artisan Chocolate
496 S. 1325 West, Orem, 801-655-1996, AmanoChocolate.com
Epic Brewery
825 S. State, Salt Lake City, 801-906-0123, EpicBrewing.com
Underground Herbal Spirits
UndergroundHerbalSpirit.com
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